星期一, 7月 08, 2024

Free arts & crafts workshops begin July 9 in Boston Parks

Free arts & crafts workshops begin July 9 in Boston Parks

The Boston Parks and Recreation Department’s annual ParkARTS program is pleased to announce the return of free Arts & Crafts Workshops for children. From West Roxbury to East Boston, kids ages three to ten can enjoy a wide variety of arts and crafts activities led by local artists at the workshops held from 10 a.m. to 12 noon.


Participation is free and all materials are provided. All children must be accompanied by an

adult. Groups of eight or more must pre-register by emailing parks@boston.gov or by calling the Parks Department at (617) 961-3082. 


The Marionette Puppet Show series will also return in July and August during various children’s workshops. See Boston’s parks come alive with Rosalita’s Puppets featuring marionettes made by professional actor-puppeteer Charlotte Anne Dore. Each puppet show will begin at 11:00 a.m. See the schedule below for details. 


Arts and Crafts Workshops dates and locations are as follows, 10 a.m. to 12 noon:


Tuesdays, July 9, 16, & 23

Marcella Playground, Roxbury 

Harambee Park, Dorchester 


Wednesdays, July 10, 17, & 24

Iacono Playground, Hyde Park

Hynes Field, West Roxbury 


Thursdays, July 11, 18, & 25 

Fallon Field, Roslindale 

Walker Playground, Mattapan 


Friday, July 12, 19, & 26 

Mozart Street Playground, Jamaica Plain 

Joyce Playground, Brighton 


Tuesdays, July 30, August 6, & 13

LoPresti Park, East Boston 

Langone Park//Puopolo Playground, North End 


Wednesdays, July 31, August 7 & 14

Myrtle Street Playground, Beacon Hill
Gertrude Howes Playground, Roxbury


Thursdays, August 1, 8, & 15

Medal of Honor Park, South Boston 

Ringgold Park, South End 


Friday, August 2, 9, & 16 

Peter Looney Park, Charlestown

Ryan Playground, Dorchester 


Rosalita’s Puppets Marionette Performances are at 11 a.m. Dates and locations are as

follows:

Thursday, July 11: Walker Playground, Mattapan 

Friday, July 12: Joyce Playground, Brighton 

Friday, July 18: Fallon Field, Roslindale 

Friday, July 19: Mozart Street Playground, Jamaica Plain 

Thursday, August 8: Ringgold Park, South End 

Friday, August 9: Peter Looney Park, Charlestown 


For more information and updates on possible weather cancellations, please contact the Boston

Parks and Recreation Department at (617) 635-4505, on our social channels @bostonparksdept

on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, or by visiting www.boston.gov/parks.

Healey-Driscoll Administration Kicks Off 10th Year of the Summer Nights Program at Ryan Playground in Mattapan

Healey-Driscoll Administration Kicks Off 10th Year of the Summer Nights Program at Ryan Playground in Mattapan 

DCR Celebrates a Decade of the Program, Launching the Largest Year Yet with 100 Partners Supporting Youth Engagement across Massachusetts  

BOSTON – As part of an ongoing effort to provide safe and fun recreational opportunities to young people across the state, the Healey-Driscoll Administration today celebrated the 10th year of the annual Summer Nights Program. Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll and Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Commissioner Brian Arrigo kicked off the department’s successful program at the Ryan Playground in Mattapan alongside Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and local leaders and community organizations. During July and August, the state’s Summer Nights Program offers a variety of activities aimed at fostering community engagement and personal development to young people across Massachusetts.  

“Playing sports kept me safe, healthy, and disciplined when I was growing up, and I want every young person in Massachusetts to have that opportunity. For 10 years, the Summer Nights Program has provided critical programming to our young people every summer, keeping them engaged and active while schools are closed. This year, we’re proud to expand the program to make an even bigger impact,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Summer Nights is more than just recreational activities – our partners foster a sense of belonging and personal growth for young people, paving the way to a brighter future for all.” 

“We're thrilled to see the Summer Nights Program thrive in its 10th year, reaching more young people than ever,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “This achievement highlights our belief in community-based initiatives that nurture leadership, creativity, and healthy lifestyles through sports, arts, and mentorship, empowering youth to reach their full potential and make positive contributions to society.” 

The Summer Nights Program provides free recreational and educational opportunities for young people, ages 13 to 21, in urban areas across the state. Since beginning with four initial partners, the program has grown significantly, serving nearly 20,000 young participants, annually. This year, for its 10th anniversary, the Healey-Driscoll Administration has expanded the program to its largest year yet with a budget of $3 million, $2.6 million directly benefitting partners and additional funds allocated for police details, equipment, and marketing. This funding will support 100 organizations including municipalities, community groups, and public safety agencies that will provide free activities including sports, arts and crafts, music, and mentoring and life skills workshops at approximately 125 locations across the state. 

“Summer Nights provides an opportunity for our young people to connect with nature and cultivate their roles as the next generation of stewards of the environment,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “This programming is critical in urban areas, where young people have fewer chances to explore nature. By encouraging outdoor exploration and engagement through these programs, we are able to foster a sense of responsibility and connection to creating a sustainable future for generations to come.” 

“The Summer Nights program exemplifies our commitment to providing families and children across Massachusetts with safe, inclusive and supportive spaces,” said DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo. “One of our top priorities at DCR is ensuring young people have access to welcoming and engaging outdoor recreational programming regardless of their financial ability. Through this diverse array of enriching and educational activities, we hope to empower young people and foster a sense of stewardship and leadership within their communities.” 

“Summer in Boston is a truly special time for our residents, families and communities across every neighborhood,” said Boston Mayor Michelle Wu. For ten years, the state's Summer Nights Program has provided young people and families with a range of opportunities to stay active, build community and grow in new ways. With this expanded program, we are thrilled to partner with the Healey-Driscoll administration to serve even more young people in Boston and across the state." 

 

This year, Summer Nights partners will provide programming in: Boston (Roxbury, Dorchester, Mattapan, Roslindale, Hyde Park, East Boston, South Boston), Attleboro, Bridgewater, Brockton, Chelsea, Chicopee, Easthampton, Everett, Fitchburg, Haverhill, Holyoke, Lawrence, Lowell, Lynn, Methuen, Milton, New Bedford, Norwood, Pittsfield, Quincy, Revere, Salem, Somerville, Springfield, Stoughton, Taunton, Westfield, and Worcester. Norwood, Everett, Revere, Pittsfield, Somerville, Attleboro, Bridgewater, Westfield, Chicopee and Easthampton are new to the program this year. 

“Summer Nights programming has been a game-changer to the near thousands of underserved families throughout the Commonwealth,” said Leroy Peoples Jr., Founder and President, The PIM Project, Inc. “In Boston, PIM hosts a fun, friendly and safe environment for children and families, where DCR, through Summer Nights, provides the much needed and necessary support. Without Summer Nights, it would be near impossible for us to provide PIM programming.” “We are excited to experience the magic of our tenth summer serving the children and families of our community in partnership with DCR Summer Nights, where every sunset brings a new adventure and every gathering sparks joy, connection and unforgettable summer memories,” said Deronne Greaves, Co-founder of Score4More“Effective programs like Summer Nights continue to improve the cultural diversity and landscape in Mattapan and throughout the Commonwealth,” said Alex Seymour, CEO of Youth in Crisis. 

Programming will continue through late August, featuring a wide range of activities such as basketball, volleyball, yoga, dance, martial arts, flag football, corn-hole, fishing, ping-pong, cardio boxing, swimming, camping, rowing, kayaking, cooking, painting, Zumba, dodgeball, tennis, and nature exploration. Programming also includes sessions on leadership skill-building, health and wellness, poetry, academic tutoring, storytelling, animation, music, media production, and career and college readiness programs. Additionally, three providers will provide accessible and adaptive programs, including theater, swimming, and kayaking. Every Summer Nights participant and their families also receive a complimentary ferry pass to the Boston Harbor Islands through Boston Harbor Now.     

For a full list of programming, please visit DCR’s Summer Nights Program webpage. DCR will hold additional events celebrating the 10-year anniversary this summer. 

星期四, 7月 04, 2024

波士頓遊行慶美國獨立 吳弭市長籲2年後同慶250週年

民兵鳴槍。(周菊子攝)

          (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓綜合報導) 鼓樂聲響起,升旗台前要員列隊排開。202474日的一早9點,波士頓市又一年的慶祝美國國慶,由市長吳弭率隊從市政府廣場遊行到糧倉墳場 (Granary Burying Ground) 前緬懷歷史英雄,邁步走到舊州議會大樓宣讀「獨立宣言」,提醒人這是美國出生地。

波士頓市在市政府廣場舉行國慶遊行開場儀式。(周菊子攝)
          在遊行出發前的致詞儀式中,司儀指出,這是個誌記人人平等的日子,賦予每個人追求自由、快樂的權力。簽署「獨立宣言」,就是民主自由的開始。

          波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu) 歡迎人們來到波士頓這個美國出生地。她說,大家的血裏都帶著革命基因,每天都生活在前人的服務與犧牲所帶來的大利之中。世界上沒有任何一個其他地方可以像波士頓這樣記著美國的歷史,團結人們,延續美國夢。

波士頓市長吳弭(前)在波士頓市旅遊、體育及娛樂辦公室主任John Borders IV
陪同下邁步遊行。(周菊子攝)
                   吳弭市長還說,如果人們喜歡波士頓的國慶遊行,2026年一定要再來波士頓,屆時慶祝美國建國250週的場面必定更盛大。

遊行必有旗隊前導。(周菊子攝)
          今年參加遊行的貴賓,在吳弭市長之外,有第二區市議員,也是退休海軍的愛德華費連 (Ed Flynn)夫婦,波士頓市退伍軍人局局長Robert Santiago,波士頓市旅遊、體育及娛樂辦公室主任John Borders IV,美國艦隊奧斯卡號指揮官Scott B. Burrill,麻州號潛艇 (PCU Massachusetts)副指揮官Dennis Guy,古砲連指揮隊長Michael Fish CC將軍等人。

Ed Flynn(左)是今年唯一參加國慶遊行的波士頓市議員。(周菊子攝)
          遊行隊伍有鼓樂隊,民兵團,英軍隊,古老砲兵連,以及剛好來波士頓參加海軍週的大約5075名美國海軍水手,整個遊行隊伍和往年相比,規模縮水不少。許多站在波士頓市府廣場前看遊行的觀眾,在遊行隊伍從自己面前一一走過後,驚呼「這就結束啦?」,對遊行隊伍的比往年短得多大感詫異。

民兵是國慶遊行不可少的一環。(周菊子攝)
          整個遊行活動,在司儀開場,吳弭市長講話,演唱國歌後,遊行隊伍由旗隊前導,從波士頓市政府廣場,沿著劍橋街、天滿街走到糧倉墳場前,向撰寫、朗讀美國獨立宣言等對創建美國有功的波士頓歷史名人,約翰漢考克(John Hancock)Peter FenelonRobert Treat Paine,山姆亞當斯(Samuel Adams),Paul Revere等人的墳墓獻花圈致敬,再由遊行司儀講述一遍這些人的豐功偉業,遊行隊伍接著再在「永遠星條旗 (The Stars and Stripes Forever)」的樂聲中,繼續繞街,遊行到舊麻州議會廳,重演1776年的朗誦「獨立宣言」場景。

          「美國今日」報為74日這具有歷史意義的一天,做了個簡要整理,指出74日慶祝,是因為1776年的這天,美國簽署了後來成為美國總統的湯姆斯傑佛遜 (Thomas Jefferson)所撰寫的獨立宣言,來宣佈脫離英國自主。

美國只有波士頓能夠重演在舊州議會大樓朗讀「獨立宣言」這歷史。
(周菊子攝)

          約翰亞當斯卻認為,由美國1356名代表所組成的大陸國會 (Continental Congrss),其實是在72日這天才宣佈獨立的,所以慶祝應該在72日才對。

          1781年時,麻州是全美第一個把76日定為州訂假日的州。放鞭炮慶祝則是從177774日開始的。

波士頓市長吳弭和嘉賓門站在升旗台前,準備率隊遊行。
海軍參加波士頓國慶遊行。(周菊子攝)
民兵團出發。(周菊子攝)
在糧倉墳場前宣讀前人歷史,已是傳統。(周菊子攝)
3名海軍嘉賓。(周菊子攝)
儀式結束後,大批警察現身恢復現場秩序。(周菊子攝)
紅白藍是最受歡迎的國慶日服裝。(周菊子攝)
慶祝美國國慶的裝扮。(周菊子攝)
舊麻州議會樓頂的獨角獸和金獅依舊搶眼非常。(周菊子攝)
遊行現場有波士頓徒步遊宣傳人員推著獨特的自行車吸引遊人目光。(周菊子攝)
舊州議會大樓前人山人海。(周菊子攝)
遊行現場人山人海。(周菊子攝)
遊行現場有僧人沿途化緣。(周菊子攝)

星期三, 7月 03, 2024

200人遊行支持網約車司機有權組織工會 11月將由選民做決定

華人前進會主任陳玉珍(前右)為網約車司機高先生翻譯。 (CPA提供)
               (Boston Orange 周菊子綜合編譯) 共約200多名Uber Lyft等網約車司機,及華人前進會等支持者,72日近午,聚在麻州州務卿辦公室所在大樓前,慶祝已收集到足夠數量的符合資格簽名,今年11月大選的選票,將出現賦予網約車司機組織工會權力的選票問題。

華人前進會成員參加集會,支持網約車司機。
(CPA提供)
              Uber Lyft等網約車的司機,一直被當作是獨立合約商,而不是公司雇員,因此無法組織工會。Uber Lyft等網約車的司機及支持者們為爭取工會保障,發起組織工會要求,並於202312月收集到並提交了超過申請選票問題所需的第一階段74,574個簽名。72日再遞交了超過第二輪所需的12,429個簽名。

              一旦麻州州務卿威廉蓋文 (William Galvin)確認所有簽名後,網約車司機是否有權組織工會,將於11月由選民以選票決定。

              麻州總檢察長Andrea Campbell72日一早發表聲明,支持網約車司機,指出她的辦公室627日才和Uber Lyft公司達成和解協議,簽署多項條文,為網約車司機爭取到每小時32.5元這前所未有的最低時薪,以及其他許多福利,她為自己能支持這選票問題感到自豪,表示一旦選民通過這選票問題,網約車司機們將獲得集體談判能力,爭取更好的工資與福利。

              麻州總檢察官辦公室早前公佈的協議內容包括,規定Uber Lyft發給員工時薪最低32.5元;擴大福利;Uber 14800萬元,Lyft賠償2700萬元,共賠償17500萬元的和解金給麻州政府;保證司機可得有薪病假;司機可獲得津貼以加入州政府的有薪家事假及病假計畫;匯集的醫療保險福利;職員有資格獲得公司支付,高達100

約200多人聚集在麻州州務卿辦公室大樓外,支持網約車司機
享有組織工會權。(CPA提供)
萬元的職業意外險;在司機接受長程駕車網約之前,為他們提供有關行程長度、目的地和預期收入等資訊;提供詳細的薪金資訊給司機;不可歧視司機;不可報復司機;必須為司機提供應用程式內的聊天支持;必須做年度稽查,並提供是否遵守規定的詳細資訊;必須給司機為何被停止的資訊,並設立上訴流程,允許司機就停用提出申訴;必須向麻州總檢察官辦公室提供確認遵守規定所需資訊。

              根據麻州總檢察長Andrea Campbell辦公室網站,Uber Lyft等公司,為阻止網約車司機組織工會,遞交過不下9份選票問題申請,在協議簽訂後,這些選票問題也將作廢。

              網約車司機們的編號23-35,給網約車司機組織工會的選擇權這選票問題,如無意外,將在麻州州務卿認可後,印在11月大選的選票上。

SEIU 32BJ 主席助理 Roxana Rivera感謝麻州總檢察長的支持,聲稱人們必須考慮到,網約車司機拿到的收入,經常有一半以上要花在為繼續工作做準備上。

華人前進會行政主任陳玉珍72日率眾支持網約車。她強調,網約車司機應該得到公平對待,也享有集體發聲的權力。

麻州州務卿辦公室回覆本刊查詢,證實已收到選票問題申請,以及相關文件,約需至少12個星期審核,才會宣佈哪些選票問題將出現在今年11月大選的選票上。

麻州Carver鎮出現今年第一宗東部馬腦炎病毒蚊 尚無人畜感染

 State Public Health Officials Announce Season’s First EEE-Positive Mosquito Samples

Residents urged to use bug spray when outdoors

 

BOSTON (July 3, 2024) – The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced that Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus has been detected in mosquitoes in Massachusetts for the first time this year. The presence of EEE was confirmed in mosquito samples collected on June 30 in the town of Carver in Plymouth County. No human or animal cases of EEE have been detected so far this year. 

 

Today’s finding increases the risk level of EEE to moderate in the communities of Carver, Kingston, Middleborough, Plymouth, Plympton, and Wareham. 

 

“The last EEE outbreak cycle in Massachusetts occurred in 2019-2020 and since then, there have been no human cases of EEE reported in the state,” said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. “Today’s finding alerts us to the presence of EEE in Massachusetts this year. Combined with yesterday’s announcement of West Nile virus in mosquitoes in Massachusetts, we are asking everyone to take the necessary precautions to prevent mosquito bites. We recommend that people use mosquito repellent when they are spending time outdoors so they can celebrate the July 4th holiday and enjoy the rest of the summer without being bitten.”

 

EEE is a rare but serious and potentially fatal disease that can affect people of all ages. EEE is generally spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. There were 12 human cases of EEE in Massachusetts in 2019 with six deaths; in 2020, there were five human cases and one death. There were no human cases of EEE in Massachusetts in 2021, 2022 or 2023.

 

“EEE activity in Massachusetts tends to occur in outbreak cycles,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Catherine M. Brown. “When EEE is found in mosquitoes like this at the start of the season, the risk may increase throughout the rest of the summer. We rely on our mosquito surveillance program to monitor for the presence of virus to let people know when and where the risk is occurring.”

 

Avoid Mosquito Bites

Apply Insect Repellent when Outdoors. Use a repellent with an EPA-registered ingredient (DEET (N,N-Diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), oil of lemon eucalyptus (p-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD) or IR3535) according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30 percent or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.

 

Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours. The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during the evening or early morning in areas of high risk.

 

Clothing Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites. Wearing long sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.

 

Mosquito-Proof Your Home

Drain Standing Water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or discarding items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools and change the water in birdbaths frequently.

 

Install or Repair Screens. Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly fitting screens on all your windows and doors.

 

Protect Your Animals

Animal owners should reduce potential mosquito breeding sites on their property by eliminating standing water from containers such as buckets, tires, and wading pools – especially after heavy rains. Water troughs provide excellent mosquito breeding habitats and should be flushed out at least once a week during the summer months to reduce mosquitoes near paddock areas. Horse owners should keep horses in indoor stalls at night to reduce their risk of exposure to mosquitoes. Owners should also speak with their veterinarian about mosquito repellents approved for use in animals and vaccinations to prevent WNV and EEE. If an animal is suspected of having WNV or EEE, owners are required to report to the Department of Agricultural Resources, Division of Animal Health by calling 617-626-1795, and to the Department of Public Health by calling 617-983-6800.

 

More information, including all WNV and EEE positive results, can be found on the Arbovirus Surveillance Information web page at Mosquito-borne Diseases | Mass.govwhich is updated daily, or by calling the DPH Division of Epidemiology at 617-983-6800.